Improvement in metallic columns



J. L. PIPER.

` Metallic Columns.

N0. 141,655. Patented Augustl2,l873.

WIT# E55 E5 ATEN'I OFFICE.

JoPIN L. PIPER, or PIrfrsBUEe, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN METALLIC COLUMNS.

Specilication forming part of Letters Patent No. 14B ,665, dated August l2, 1873; application led July 15, 1873.

and useful Improvement in Metallic Posts and I do hereby declare the following to be a full,

clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings making a part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of my improved post, showing the removable part in position. Fig. 2 is a like view of thev same without the removable part, and Fig. 3 is a like view of the removable part.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts in each.

My invention relates to an improvement in the construction of hollow wrought-iron columns, struts, or girders, for use in connection with ediiices and structures of various kinds; and the nature of it consists in the construction of a hollow close column, strut, or girder, as distinguished from an open one, but with a removable panel or section, which, when in place, will co-operate in securing a column of the desired strength, and when removed will permit of access to the inside of the post for purposes of painting, repairs, &c.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my improvement, I will proceed to describe its construction and manner of use.

The bars B B, in any desired number, width, and curvature, are rolled in the ordinary way, and united along their joints by means of T- irons a, bolted or riveted thereto, except at two contiguous joints, .b b', where they are united by means of an gle-irons c 0'; and angleirons may be used at all the joints, if so preferred. In the plate B I make a removable panel, D, whichis preferably of the same width, thickness, and curvature as the plate above and below; or such removable panel may be inserted between the ends of two plates, B', which are arranged at the proper distance apart for that purpose. The angleirons o terminate at points above and below the end of the removable panel D, so as to break joints therewith; and sections of angleiron d of suitable length for insertion therein are secured by rivets or bolts, as shown, to the opposite edges of the removable panel D, as illustrated in Fig. 3.- This removable panel D, with its angle-irons d, is then inserted in the post in the manner shown in Fig. 1, and secured by bolts and rivets s. This work is done with such accuracy that the ends of the panel D will fill neatly the space left between the ends of the plates B', and the ends of the angle-irons d will come in like manner between the ends of the angle-irons c', and by being bolted thereto impart additional strength to that side of the post.

When it is desired to paint the inside of the post or make repairs therein of any kind, the bolts or rivets s may be cut or broken, the panel D with its angle-irons d be removed, the work done, and the panel and angle-irons restored and rebolted.

I am aware that it is not new to leave openings in the sides of hollow posts for the purposes named 5 but I believe that it is new to close up such openings by means of removable panels, the connections of which are such that on being secured in position they will assist in supporting a load which the post is designed to carry. Such panels, as above described, may be arranged at various points in the length of the posts, and on one or more sides of the same.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to sec-ure by Letters Patent, is-

A hollow metallic post, column, strut, or y girder having a removable panel or section, constructed substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I, the said JOHN L.

PIPER, have hereunto set my hand.

JOHN L. PIPER.

Witnesses: G. B. CHRISTY, FREDERICK S'rANDIsII. 

